NATURALISM Perspective of Philosophy in Education Ms. Ellen J. Cerna What is Naturalism? Naturalism is a concept that firmly believes that ultimate reality lies in the nature of matter (Maheshwari, 2011). What is Naturalism? The whole universe is governed by laws of nature and they are changeable. An educational theory that is applied to systems of training that are not dependent on schools and books but on the manipulation of the actual life of the learner. “Naturalism is the doctrine which separates nature from God, subordinates spirit to matter and sets up unchangeable laws as supreme.” -Ross Theoretical Rationale of Naturalism Metaphysical Position Concept of God The Concept of Self Naturalist God is within nature. Man is the child of nature. Epistemological Position of Naturalism scientific knowledge: accumulation generalization observation Empirical and experimental knowledge Sensory training “We are born weak, we need strength; helpless, we need aid; foolish, we need reason. All that we lack at birth, all that we need when it come to man’s state, is the gift of education.” -Rousseau Naturalism in Education Characteristics of Naturalistic Education 01 Back to Nature 02 Opposition to Bookish Knowledge Nature represents the wholeness of reality. Real education should engage the spontaneous self-activity of the child. 03 Progressive 04 Negative Education Education must conform to the natural processes of growth and mental development. It disposes the child to take the path that will lead him to truth. Characteristics of Naturalistic Education 05 Central Position of the Child Child should be the center of educational process. 06 Freedom of the Child Allow full freedom to the child to develop himself according to his natural tendencies. 07 Emphasis on the Training of Senses Our education are the gateways of knowledge. Naturalism and Aims of Education 01 To perfect the human machines. 04 Adaptation to Environment 02 Attainment of Present and Future Happiness 05 Improvement of Racial Gains 03 Preparation for the Struggle of Existence 06 Natural and Autonomous Development Naturalism and the Teacher “Teacher in a naturalistic set-up is only a setter of stage, a supplier of materials and opportunities, a provider of an ideal environment, a creator of conditions under which natural development takes place.” -Ross The Concept of Teacher ● The teacher as a guide. ● The teacher as an observer. ● The teacher as a protector. ● The teacher as an organizer. Naturalism and the Student “Everything is good as it comes from the hands of the author of the nature. Man meddles with them and they become evil.” -Rousseau The Concept of Student ● The pupil is to teacher what man is to philosopher. ● Know the child and you will know what to teach. ● Include the following in the curriculum: 1. Speech and Drawing 2. History and Social Science 3. Physical Education and Health 4. Agriculture and Carpentry 5. Science 6. Mathematics and Language Naturalism and Methodology of Instruction 4 2 Learning by doing. Heuristic Method Activity Method Play-Way Method 1 6 3 Learning by direct experience. 5 Freedom in the Child Naturalism and Discipline “Punishment should be constituted by natural consequences of wrong deeds; should be certain, but tempered with sympathy.” The Concept of Discipline Education should be free from the bondage of rigid discipline under which children are tortured. Advocates maximum freedom from the child and he is naturally controlled by his own learning and experiences. Naturalism and Agencies of Education Home Family Protect the child from the evils of the society. School Favor of co-education and residential schools Naturalism and Organization of Education Infancy from birth to 5 Boyhood from 12 to 15 Childhood from 5 to 12 Adolescence from 15 to 20 Merits of Naturalism Development of Child Psychology Naturalism is a childcentered process of development. Emphasis on ExperienceCentered Curriculum Emphasis on Cocurricular activities. Scientific Study of Society and Sociology Naturalism gave birth to the scientific study of society and societal process. Opposition to Repression in the Field The slogans of naturalism are-individuality, activity and freedom. Demerits of Naturalism One-sided and Unsatisfying Aims of Education Ignore books Concentrates about natural environment and natural development by nature. Emphasis on Present Needs Education of the child should be based on his activities and life experiences. Naturalism lays stress on the solution of present needs and problems of an individual. More importance to scientific subjects in curriculum Emphasizes scientific education. Undue emphasis on physical education Lays too much emphasis on physique and the physical senses. Demerits of Naturalism Unappealing Principle of Discipline by Natural Consequences. Unlimited Freedom of the Child Provides unrestricted freedom to the child to develop himself naturally. No importance to Teacher The teacher as a mere guide and observer only. The discipline is quite unsuitable and very often harmful. Anti-social Ignores society which is essential as an individual. Thanks! Do you have any questions? ejcerna@up.edu.ph +639050479126 CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, infographics & images by Freepik.